Why is preventive dentistry important?

Preventive dentistry aims to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Prevention dental care isn’t just the twice-a-year dental checkups. It also involves daily practices to keep your oral structure healthy and strong. These practices include a proper diet, oral hygiene, and wearing mouthguards when engaging in physical activities like sports. According to our dentist in Lincoln, preventive dentistry offers a variety of benefits, such as time, pain, and money.

Types of Preventive Dental Care

In dentistry, preventive dental care involves taking care of our teeth to protect them from serious dental diseases. We provide our patients with various preventative dental care options at Lincoln Dental Associates. Some of them include the following:

• Oral Exam. During an oral exam, the dentist will look closely at your mouth for early signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues.
• Professional dental cleaning. This is an expert dental brushing and flossing done at the dental office to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Diagnostic tests. These are tests such as the X-ray done to examine the severity of a possible dental issue found in your mouth.
• Dental sealants. Sealants are plastic coatings painted on your teeth’s surface, especially the molars. They provide our teeth with extra protection from cavities.

Benefits of preventive dental care

The following are benefits that come with having preventive dentistry in Lincoln.

Prevents Dental Decay and Cavities

Dental cavities can cause pain and discomfort in our oral health. Having proper oral hygiene at home prevents the formation of cavities. Additionally, during regular dental checkups, the dentist can professionally clean and eliminate tarter buildup avoiding cavities. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants may also be applied to provide your teeth with extra protection.

Eliminates Bad Breath

Having bad breath can be unfortunate for someone’s life. It can affect your social interaction and self-esteem. While bad breath is unpleasant, it could signify an infection or tooth decay. Regular dental cleanings and various preventive dental treatments will help you treat the root cause. Visit our dentist near you to avoid finding yourself in embarrassing situations such as the bad breath.

It avoids Serious Health Issues.

There are several health conditions known to begin to form in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene and tooth decay can lead to inflammation in your whole body. This is because bacteria from oral issues such as gum disease can enter your bloodstream. According to Dr. Brion Dalton, practicing preventive dental care can help avoid unnecessary health complications like blood infections.

Prevents Gum Disease

Letting plaque and tartar build up in your teeth and gums increases your chances of gum disease. Gum disease begins with gingivitis and, with time, can develop in severity and become periodontitis. Dental checkups allow the dentist to detect signs of gum disease in its early stages.

Long-Term Dental Investment

Having professional preventive dental care regularly will save you time and money in the long run. Dental insurance plans cover most dental checkup routines. Additionally, even if you don’t have dental insurance coverage, paying for a dental cleaning twice a year is cheaper than paying for root canals or implants.

Brighter Smile

Besides the promise of better oral and overall health, you will maintain a bright and attractive smile through preventive dental care. Regular dental cleanings eliminate dental stains. Therefore, you don’t have to invest in professional whitening products with preventive dentistry.

At-Home Preventive Dental Care Tips

In addition to professional preventive dental care practices, there are also at-home tips we can adopt to keep our mouths healthy and strong. Remember the following tips as you look forward to your regular dental checkups from our dental office in Lincoln.

• Brushing. At least twice a day, brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. Don’t forget to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Use the recommended fluoride toothpaste by the dentist.
• Flossing. At least once a day, floss your teeth meticulously to eliminate those food particles between your teeth.
• Mouthguards. Always wear a mouth guard if you are a sports person or participate in accident-prone activities. It will protect your teeth from direct trauma, which could lead to tooth loss or a broken tooth.
• Balanced diet. A proper diet is important to our overall well-being. For example, avoiding sugary, hard, or chewy foods. Remember, our state of health reflects our diet.

If you want affordable, preventive dental care services in Lincoln, visit our dentist at 68505.